Tiadaghton Audubon Hosts Planetarium Open House Dark Skies Program Feb 1

The Tiadaghton Audubon Society will host an open-house "Dark Skies Program" this Friday, February 1, in the George B. Strait Planetarium under the gold dome of the Grant Science Center on the Mansfield University campus. The program is free. Attendees are asked to arrive by 6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., Dr. Elaine Farkas, a physics professor with the MU Department of Chemistry and Physics, will take the audience on a 45-minute exploration of the winter night sky, including Orion's belt and distant galaxies. Because the Tiadaghton Audubon Society is one of the sponsors of this Dark Skies program, Farkas will also point out some of the bird-like constellations, such as Signas the Swan. Following the program, Tim Morey, Hills Creek State Park's natural resource specialist, will provide information about stargazing opportunities at Cherry Springs State Park and will discuss local amateur astronomy resources. If conditions allow, participants will take a brief trip outdoors to look through a telescope at the night sky. Grant Science Center is on the MU campus in an area of one-way streets. Just look for the planetarium's gold dome. After 4 p.m. parking is available in nearby employee lots, requiring a short walk to the Grant Science Center. For information, contact Dr. Farkas via email efarkas@mansfield.edu or call 570-662-4754.